22 Places to See in 2022
- 1. M U N I C H G E R M A N Y Capital of Bavaria and cultural powerhouse Munich offers a rare blend of historic heritage and cutting-edge modernism. Here you’ll find a compelling mix of stately palaces and world-class museums, and no shortage of charming beer gardens. And if you’re into castles, Munich is a great jumping-off point to explore Bavarian castles such as Neuschwanstein.
- 2. PA L M S P R I N G S C A L I F O R N I A Nestled in the Coachella Valley lies sunny, retro-chic Palm Springs. Here, you’ll find plenty of palm trees, midcentury glamour, and green golf courses juxtaposed with wild desert. Make sure to visit Melvyn’s (the only still-standing Rat Pack hangout); take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for sweeping valley and mountain views; and plant yourself firmly by one the city’s many pools.
- 3. A S H E V I L L E N O R T H C A R O L I N A An edgy city in western North Carolina, Asheville gives a warm welcome with its energetic mix of vibrant art galleries, independent restaurants, and unique shops. It’s also a jumping-off point for exploring the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains on foot, bike, horseback, or even by car— the winding Blue Ridge Parkway is a top- ranked scenic drive for motorists.
- 4. LO U I S V I L L E K E N T U C K Y Home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, Louisville has developed into an artistic foodie-centric city with bourbon-barrel roots. Visit the distilleries on Whiskey Row, tour the Muhammed Ali Center, and visit NuLu (New Louisville) for your pick of eclectic eateries, art galleries, and boutiques.
- 5. N A I R O B I N AT I O N A L PA R K N A I R O B I , K E N Y A Established in 1946, this national park in Kenya is home to loads of wildlife you won’t want to miss. See lions, leopards, buffalo, zebra, antelopes, giraffe, and more. Though just outside bustling Nairobi, you’ll feel a world away inside the park. Fenced on three sides, the 78,000-acre park is open to the south for wildlife to migrate back and forth from the adjacent Kitengela Plains.
- 6. N E W P O R T R H O D E I S L A N D Experience classic New England charm among the cobblestone streets and historic landmarks of idyllic downtown Newport. Early 20th-century mansions dot Narragansett Bay, reminding you that the likes of Vanderbilt, Astor, and Duke once chose Newport as their summer home. Top things to do: Take a stroll along the Newport Cliff Walk, go paddle boarding off Third Beach, and go wine tasting at Newport Vineyards.
- 7. H A R B O U R I S L A N D B A H A M A S A hidden gem in the Caribbean, Harbour Island is known for its quiet elegance, refined charm, and pink-sand beaches the color of coral. Here, visitors scoot around to quaint restaurants—some of the best in the Caribbean—and unspoiled beaches in golf carts, lending a laid-back feel to its serene island charm.
- 8. M O N T - T R E M B L A N T Q U E B E C , C A N A D A Tucked within the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, Mont-Tremblant is Canada’s premier East Coast ski resort—and the very first to open in Canada itself, back in 1939. The charming pedestrian village, overlooking Lac Tremblant, is home to quaint boutiques, coffee houses, and cozy restaurants. Just north of town, the eponymous national park offers year-round recreation with hiking trails and lakes ideal for canoeing.
- 9. S T. B A R T S F R E N C H W E S T I N D I E S This glitzy French West Indies isle is still the place to see and be seen in the Caribbean, long favored by celebrities, politicians, and well-heeled travelers for its exclusivity and five-star accommodations—not to mention its crystal-clear water and postcard-worthy beaches. Visitors don’t go hungry; the island’s sophisticated reputation has attracted top-tier French, Creole, and Caribbean-fusion restaurants.
- 10. Z I O N N AT I O N A L PA R K S P R I N G D A L E , U T A H Zion National Park—one of Utah’s so-called “Mighty Five” national parks—has exploded in popularity in recent years. The uptick in tourism is well deserved for this otherworldly park, which sits on the valley floor of a long and narrow 2,000-foot canyon. Don’t miss the trek to the precariously perched outcropping at Angel’s Landing or a chance to slosh up the Virgin River in the park’s famous Narrows slot canyon.
- 11. W I L L A M E T T E VA L L E Y O R E G O N Stretching 150 miles from Portland to Eugene, Willamette Valley is Oregon’s wine country, home to more than 600 wineries. But there’s more to this verdant region than just wine—think lush rolling hills dotted with historic towns and flowing rivers crossed by quaint covered bridges. Explore by hot air balloon, on horseback, on mountain bike, or on foot.
- 12. F I N G E R L A K E S N E W Y O R K Named after 11 long, narrow lakes that resemble fingers, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is an impossibly quaint vacation destination that remains relatively under the radar for many Americans. Stroll and shop in Victorian-era villages, enjoy an afternoon sipping your way along the region’s acclaimed wine trail, or go for a peaceful bicycle ride along paved lakefront paths.
- 13. I S TA N B U L T U R K E Y Steeped in more than 2,500 years of history, Istanbul is a culturally rich powerhouse that bridges the boundary dividing Europe and Asia. Keep busy with activities like cruising the Bosphorus Strait, shopping at the iconic Grand Bazaar, and tasting traditional Turkish food—all while admiring the city’s breathtaking Neoclassical and Ottoman-influenced architecture.
- 14. P U N TA D E M I TA M E X I C O Venture beyond the touristy side of Mexico to Punta de Mita, a laidback fishing village near Puerto Vallarta known for its sandy shores, upscale restaurants, and sun-soaked activities. Punta de Mita is an under-the- radar paradise, where you can horseback ride through dense jungle, explore the coastline on a sailing trip, or unwind in a hammock in peaceful solitude.
- 15. S T A N D R E W S S C O T L A N D A seaside Scottish town full of historical wonders, the University of St Andrews, and striking ancient architecture, St Andrews entices both the history buff and the golf enthusiast. Tour medieval castles and gothic cathedrals, or play a round on the world-famous Old Course, believed to be the “birthplace of golf.”
- 16. G R E N A D A W E S T I N D I E S Known historically as the “Spice Island,” Grenada is still abundant in nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove today—but it’s also rich with natural beauty, making the island an idyllic choice for paradise-seekers. Grand Anse Beach is the island’s most famous stretch of sand, popular for snorkeling, fishing, and diving. Don’t miss the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park, accessible only via boat.
- 17. V E N I C E I T A L Y Enchanting Venice, with its iconic canals, churches, and palaces, is a must-see for anyone with an interest in European history. Marvel at the golden ceilings of St. Mark’s Basilica, or opt for a classic gondola ride to take in charming and quintessential Venice views. And now is the best time to visit—sea levels are increasingly rising, and we don’t know how much time we have left with this treasured city.
- 18. C H A R L E S TO N S O U T H C A R O L I N A Southern hospitality at its finest, Charleston offers rich colonial-era history, sun-soaked beaches, and world-class cuisine. The city’s best explored on foot, with antique shops and art galleries lining blocks of cobblestone streets—and if you like a dose of spookiness with your history, try one of Charleston’s myriad walking ghost tours.
- 19. S T. S I M O N S I S L A N D G E O R G I A Georgia’s Golden Isles were so named for a reason—and we highly recommend catching golden hour on St. Simons, the largest barrier island between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida. Take a trolley tour of the island to soak in the scenery, climb to the top of the St. Simons Lighthouse for a spectacular view, or pedal bikes on more than 20 miles of paved paths.
- 20. K A UA I H A W A I I Hawaii’s Garden Isle is a verdant paradise of rushing waterfalls, lush rainforests, and meandering rivers. Sunbathe or snorkel in the calm waters of Poipu Beach, keeping an eye out for sea turtles and monk seals. Hiking the 22-mile Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast affords spectacular views, too. (And don’t worry—there are much smaller sections you can hike.)
- 21. B E R K S H I R E S M A S S A C H U S E T T S East Coasters flock to this iconic region to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city—and it doesn’t take long to see why. The antithesis of New York, the Berkshires and its rolling hills give way to quaint towns, where outdoor recreation and laid- back charm are paramount. See what writers like Herman Melville and Edith Wharton found so captivating about these Massachusetts mountains.
- 22. S I C I LY I T A L Y Bask in the Italian sun without the crowds of the Amalfi Coast on the largest island in the Mediterranean—Sicily offers myriad beaches along its picturesque coastline. Visit the Valley of the Temples on the island’s southern coast to see some of the best-preserved Greek architectural sites in the world, and in Palermo, the island’s capital, sample the best of Sicilian cuisine.